2011 FORD EXPLORER: Magic bus

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This article was published 30/07/2010 (5627 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TORONTO — It turns out the secret to Ford’s recent success may not have anything to do with sound management, but rather a healthy dose of magic, or at least that’s how it appeared earlier this week when Ford called upon Greg Frewin, the international grand champion of magic, to perform a large-scale illusion for the unveiling of the new 2011 Ford Explorer.

Following a frenzy of dancing girls, smoke and at least one mirror, the freshly redesigned Explorer magically appeared.

Ford believes the new Explorer is a reinvention of one of the pioneers of the sport utility movement. Originally unveiled in 1991, the Explorer literally took the market by storm and can be directly attributed to the huge popularity of SUVs throughout the ’90s. SUV sales have softened in recent years but with the new Explorer, Ford is aiming to get folks back into the SUV market by raising customers’ expectations of SUV fuel efficiency, safety, technology, capability and quality.

Although we never had the chance to test-drive one, if first impressions are any indication Ford has yet another winner on its hands. My friend and Toronto auto journalist Kevin "Crash" Corrigan, an English import in his own right, mused that the new Explorer’s front end reminded him of the pricey Range Rover Sport — and that’s a good thing. The modern and curvaceous styling that Ford engineers have incorporated into the new Explorer is a bold departure from the boxier-looking previous model and should make it stand out in a world where many SUV models look strikingly similar.

In addition to being extremely handsome, the 2011 Explorer with V6 power is expected to deliver more than 20 per cent better fuel economy than the 2010 model, and when equipped with the available 2.0-litre EcoBoost I-4 engine, Explorer fuel economy is expected to improve by more than 30 per cent.

Shedding weight was integral to the new Explorer’s anticipated fuel efficiency. Despite the fact the new Explorer is packed with modern features, engineers were able to reduce total vehicle weight by almost 100 pounds through the use of lighter materials including an aluminum hood.

The new Explorer’s standard 6-cylinder engine combines front-wheel drive with a 3.5-litre Ti-VCT V6 engine, delivering an estimated 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque.

Explorer’s available advanced 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 delivers the power of a normally aspirated V6 without compromising four-cylinder fuel economy. This turbocharged and intercooled I-4 engine delivers a projected 237 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,700 through 4,000 rpm.

Both available Explorer engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, combining lowered initial gears for improved off-the-line acceleration and higher gearing for improved efficiency at lower engine rpm on the highway.

Driving dynamics will also be improved, previous Explorer models were basically trucks with an SUV body, but the new Explorer utilizes a unibody construction platform that promises a reduction in road noise and significantly decreased body roll in dynamic cornering situations. Explorer V6 models are also available with an intelligent 4WD system that adds terrain management via a console-mounted knob that offers dedicated modes for snow, sand, mud and normal driving. This system also includes a hill descent mode.

The new Explorer also features more head and shoulder room and three rows of seating and the interior fit and finish appears to be top-shelf.

Safety is also paramount and a class-leading array of active and passive safety features and technologies have been packed into this vehicle, most notably the world’s first second-row inflatable rear seatbelts.

Ford’s unique inflatable rear belts spread impact forces across more than five times the area than conventional seat belts, reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion.

Although less "truck-like" than its predecessor, new Explorer models equipped with a V6 engine are still rated to tow 5,000 pounds and a reverse camera with zoom-in functionality is available, allowing the driver to back up to the trailer on-centre. The Explorer towing package also includes trailer-sway control — a stability package shared with the Ford F-150 pickup — to help minimize trailer sway. Trailer brake controller wiring is also included, as is a tow/haul mode.

The new Explorer is available in three trim series levels — base, XLT and Limited. Standard features on the base model include: connect technology with a 4.2-inch LCD screen, MyKey owner control feature, capless fuel-filler system, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows with one-touch down for driver, power door locks with child safety rear-door locks, tilt/telescoping steering column and four 12-volt power points.

Explorer XLT includes all those standard features and also adds automatic headlamps, six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, heated side-view mirrors with LED signal indicators and security approach lamps, a keyless entry keypad, reverse sensing system and a perimeter alarm. The blinged-out Explorer Limited also adds features such as ambient lighting, adjustable pedals, dual-zone electronic temperature control, 10-way power driver’s seat, rear view camera, remote start system, 110-volt outlet, push-button start and a universal garage door opener.

The Explorer was also launched earlier this week via Facebook in a unique social media initiative that was followed by events throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The 2011 Explorer will be assembled at Ford’s Chicago plant. Pricing has not yet been announced but the buzz is that it will be in line with the outgoing model. Production begins late this year. Explorer will be available in dealerships this winter.

willy@freepress.mb.ca